Team news: Los Angeles Chargers | Page 14

Coach Brandon Staley said in July they would bring Quentin Johnston along slowly, and that’s held true. Staley said the slow ramp-up for their first-round pick isn’t because Johnston isn’t ready, but rather because of the talent ahead of him.

But that timeline has shifted. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers no longer have the luxury of keeping their first-round receiver hidden on the sidelines.

“We believe in the makeup of this guy, and now he's going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him,” Staley said. “So it's a great chance for him to step up.”

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen is obviously still the top target but will probably draw more attention from defenses. Johnston will battle with Palmer for the WR2 spot but certainly has a chance to take over that role given his first-round talent. But as the story said, Johnston's play fluctuated in camp and he struggled with drops at one point. Still, if you're looking for help at the WR position, Johnston should be picked up and at least stashed for a week or two to see how he starts to fit in with this high-powered offense.

Source: Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston

It's what was feared since Sunday after the game. Williams was having a standout Week 3 before the injury happened. Williams will try to bounce back for next year at the age of 30. As for this season, rookie Johnston should be picked up this week if he's still on your waiver wire. It appears he's going to see an increased role according to those who follow the team. Palmer will also factor in give how much the Chargers throw the ball.

The Chargers fear WR Mike Williams has suffered a major knee injury.

Related players: Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen

No one is confirming until after the MRI, according to Rapoport, but those are the rumors leaking out. They are also saying it could be season-ending. Rapoport went on to say rookie Johnston would likely step into more playing time along with Palmer.

Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed running back Cam Akers’ status at his press conference following the team’s 30-23 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Akers was inactive and a report from Jay Glazer of Fox Sports indicated that the Rams are trying to trade him. If that sounds familiar, it is likely because Akers asked to be traded last season and the Rams tried to make it happen but Akers remained with the team.

Related players: Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman

McVay, according to the story, said, “this is different” than last year’s situation and said the decision to sit Akers was “in the best interest of our football team.” Perhaps the biggest fantasy take from this is Williams, Rivers, and Freeman handled the running back duties and McVay said that will remain the case “as we move forward.”

If Williams is still on your wire, he likely won't be there for long. Williams played a majority of the snaps, and again played well scoring two more TDs, while Rivers ended up with one catch for four yards. It remains to be seen if Akers will play for the Rams again but as the story said, it's looking like his time in LA is over.

Trade: The 49ers are sending their former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a mid-round. Lance now gets a fresh start in Dallas.

Related Players: Sam Darnold, Cooper Rush, Will Grier

All things considered, this feels like a great deal for all teams involved. Regardless of what we think about the 49ers sacrificing so many picks to grab Lance in the first place, it didn't make any sense for them to keep him, as he has apparently become a third-stringer. The Cowboys had to give away only a fourth-round pick for what could be an exciting backup option, and Trey Lance gets a new start after what presumably has been a rough first couple of years in the league.

In fantasy terms, Lance at least becomes a hold in deep 2QB dynasty leagues.